2 key adjustments by Michael Malone that have swung the series in the Nuggets' favor

The Nuggets were facing a nearly insurmountable hole after losing games 1 and 2 at home to the Timberwolves in their second-round playoff series. But the team was able to rebound in a big way as they’ve now won three straight and hold a 3-2 series lead as things shift back to Minnesota.

After game two, many people were writing off the Nuggets and prematurely writing their obituary. We had just watched the Wolves completely dismantle them on their own court in a way that hasn’t been seen in a long time. Denver was left for dead and looked completely overmatched.

But the teams had three days off between games 2 and 3 and during that time something shifted. The games in Minnesota were vastly different than the ones in Denver and now the Timberwolves appear to be the team that is overmatched and on their heels.

So what exactly changed during the time off? Obviously part of the equation is the Nuggets have just played a lot better and the Wolves haven’t played as well. Part of it is that Jamal Murray looks healthier while Mike Conley has gotten injured. And part of it is the officials calling things a little tighter and not allowing the Wolves to be as physical on defense.

But beyond that, there are a few tangible tweaks that the Nuggets and coach Michael Malone have made that have swung this series in Denver’s favor. Here is a look at two major adjustments and how they’ve helped the Nuggets come back in the series.